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Established Camping

Big Lake

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Big Lake, near Sisters, Oregon, is a picturesque campground that offers a fantastic escape into nature. With stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, it’s a prime spot for those looking to unwind and soak in the beauty of the outdoors.

The campground features spacious sites that are perfect for both tents and RVs, though you should be prepared for close quarters with your neighbors. Visitors rave about the serene atmosphere of the lake, which is great for swimming and enjoying water activities, even with some boater activity. As one camper noted, “The lake is calm, the campsites line the lake full of evergreens. Truly peaceful.”

While there are no showers or electric hookups, you’ll find essential amenities like vault toilets and drinking water available. Just remember to bring your own firewood if you plan to enjoy a campfire, as it’s not sold on-site. Bug spray is a must, especially in the evenings when the mosquitoes can be a bit relentless.

For those eager to explore, the area is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails and offers easy access to the lake for kayaking or canoeing. Just keep in mind that the campground can get busy, so if you’re looking for solitude, you might want to choose your timing wisely. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Big Lake is a great spot to connect with nature and enjoy some quality time outdoors.

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Location

Big Lake is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Eugene, Oregon, take I-105 east to McKenzie Highway 126. Travel east on 126 for 90 miles to Santiam Pass. At the top of the Pass, turn right onto the access road (sign says Hoodoo Ski Area, Big Lake Road, & Benson Sno-Park). Travel one mile to the fork in the road and stay left on Forest Service Road 2690. Continue for 2 miles to the entrance to Big Lake Campground on the left.

Coordinates

44.3775 N
121.8708333 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Ikenick Sno-Park

Ikenick Sno-Park

36 min away

Trout Creek

Trout Creek

49 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

16 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2024

Stunning Views, Close Sites

The Views surpass anything negative I could say. The location is ideal, we escaped the summer heat, at our site it was about 15 degrees cooler than Sisters temps. The Host who was a Forest Service Employee was wonderful, sites are fairly close together, I would bring a large sheet potentially next time to keep from looking straight into neighbors camps. The bugs were bad in the evening at the water, but not terrible during the day. Bring lots of big spray. The lake is serene, even with boater activity there was plenty of room for my kids to very safely swim. They do not sell firewood at the campground so if you are visiting when fires are allowed bring your own wood. We will for sure return!

Site002, A Loop
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Big Lake by LAUREN B., July 30, 2024
  • (18) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2024

Bring bug spray!

The lake is beautiful, although unfortunately not too shaded during the day due to the wild fires. I only spent a night here and it did the job. Bring bug spray, the bugs are outrageous. This is also not a quite campground. Neighbors are close and you can hear the people on the lake, but that’s to be expected.

Site42
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2022

Camping bliss

The lake is calm, the campsites line the lake full of evergreens. Truly peaceful.

Site36
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Caitlyn P., July 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Caitlyn P., July 8, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 25, 2021

Beautiful Location- Limited Privacy

We stayed in Big Lake West last weekend. The site was huge extending all the way down to the lake but we discovered that all of the west sites are walk-in only so we parked our van on the side of the road in front of our campsite in the designated area. The vault toilets were relatively clean and there were ample water spigots and garbage cans.

The downside is that we had a constant stream of hikers, hunters, other campers, and their dogs wandering through our campsite all day on both of the days we had reserved the site. It seems that most people elect to forgo the day-use access to the lake and use the campsites instead.

We also had substantial fast-moving traffic (hunters, hikers and OHVs) who appeared to be exploring the area.

And lastly- the trash in our site was substantial. The sites are large and not heavily maintained, but it’s disappointing to see piles of cigarette butts, cans, plastic bottles, a camp rug, along with the normal micro-trash lying around.

If you are easy going and like to make new friends with the endless stream of people wandering through your site- this is a great location. If you are trying to disconnect and have a little space to call your own for the weekend, I would avoid or stick to the regular big lake sites.

Site008
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2021

Beautiful spot

Campsite marker said full but we drove in anyways and wete able to find one lucky open spot! Got a beautiful view of the lake and easy water refill/trash stop!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Jay , July 27, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2021

Beautiful spot!

Great spot for some camping and time on the lake! Busy place, and motor boats allowed, so not particularly quiet.

Site19
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Paula G., July 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Paula G., July 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Paula G., July 11, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Mar. 2, 2021

Great campground, awesome views, burn zone though

Big Lake Campground is a great place to visit in all seasons, although you would need snowshoes, skis, or a snowmobile to get there in the Winter.  The views of Mt. Washington over the lake are truly stunning.  My only knocks on it is that mosquitoes can be vicious in the summer, and most of the forest in view is burnt.

  • Review photo of Big Lake by Christian , March 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Christian , March 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Christian , March 2, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2020

Stunning Views!

Gorgeous views and hiking trails galore! I don’t think I’ve camped at a place that is as beautiful scenery as Big Lake Campground. Campground has all the necessities: there are vault toilets, fire pits, tables, and drinking water. No cell service of course and lake is very close.

Lots of space and highly recommend!

  • Review photo of Big Lake by Johnny G., August 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Johnny G., August 8, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2019

Lovely spot, shared with many sports

This was a great little lakeside campground with easy water access, and bathrooms (pit toilets) onsite.

It is really dusty, which was expected.

We also found it to be pretty loud as people played their loud music on boats late into the evening and the music carried over the water.

The view of Washington, however, cannot be beat.

  • Review photo of Big Lake by Kristi R., July 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Kristi R., July 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Kristi R., July 8, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2018

Stunning!

Absolutely beautiful view, huge sites and fairly remote.

  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rayne C., October 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rayne C., October 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rayne C., October 8, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2018

BEST CAMPGROUND IN OREGON

Great camping spot with awesome mountain views. Area also has private campsites for tent so you’re not out in the open. Very accessible to hikes (Sahalie, Koosah, Tamolitch Blue Pool, and many lakes).

  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rhyss Anne P., August 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rhyss Anne P., August 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Rhyss Anne P., August 27, 2018
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Very relaxing and beautiful lake to enjoy the outdoors

This hidden gem can’t be seen from the highway. But it’s a quick drive down a improved road to it,s clear refreshing waters with fishing and plenty places to swim. Trails to go off road and places to camp near or away from the water. You’ll find views of snowcapped mountains and relax at night with no city noise or lights glowing. Check this place out before the winter hits and the snow piles up.

Month of VisitJuly
  • A small alpine snow melt lake, leading to a view above to big lake.
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Big Lake by Austin G., July 17, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2018

great views

We headed out from Portland late Friday, not really knowing what to expect. The campground was clean and easy to find, obviously a hit for OHV. We went on a hike just a few yards from the campsite, and put our kayaks in the lake after. Not to loud, and great views

  • Review photo of Big Lake by Mackenzie C., June 19, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2017

Great kayaking lake!

Have camped here a few different times, Always a great time. Lake is great for kayaking, big enough to give you lots to paddle, but small enough to not be overwhelming. Beautiful view of the mountain (Mt. Washington I believe), and lots of birds and deer in the area. A bit dusty, and no re hookups, but the lake and views make up for that. Pit toilets, and not all sites are leveled for every parking. Check site length to your needs and being leveling blocks in case!

Site18, 20
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2016

Great For Dirt Biking

This is pretty well a dry camp area but great if you have bikes or dirt bikes or four wheelers. The lake is not breathtaking but pretty enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Big Lake Campground located in Oregon?

Big Lake Campground is nestled in the Cascade Mountains of central Oregon. It sits alongside the shores of Big Lake with stunning views of Mt. Washington in the background. The campground is somewhat hidden from the highway but accessible via an improved road. It's located near hiking trails and other natural attractions like Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, and Tamolitch Blue Pool. The remote mountain setting offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by evergreen forests and alpine scenery.

What recreational activities can I enjoy at Big Lake in Oregon?

Big Lake offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is perfect for kayaking—large enough to explore but small enough to navigate comfortably. Fishing is popular, and there are plenty of swimming spots along the shoreline. Motorized boats are permitted, making water sports an option. Surrounding the lake, you'll find numerous hiking trails with spectacular mountain views. The area is also popular for off-highway vehicles (OHV) with designated trails nearby. Wildlife watching is rewarding, with birds and deer commonly spotted. In winter, the area is accessible by snowshoes, skis, or snowmobiles, making it a year-round destination.

What amenities are available at Big Lake Campground?

Big Lake Campground offers basic amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. You'll find vault toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, and drinking water available on site. The campground is primarily dry camping with no hookups for RVs. While the facilities are rustic, the campground provides the necessities for an enjoyable stay with easy access to the lake. There are designated areas for parking, and trash disposal is available. Be prepared for dusty conditions, especially during dry summer months.

Is there a difference between Big Lake Campground and Big Lake West Campground?

Yes, there is a difference between the two campgrounds. Big Lake West Campground features walk-in only sites, meaning you'll need to park your vehicle in designated areas along the road and carry your gear to your campsite. These sites extend down to the lake, offering waterfront access. While both campgrounds share the same beautiful lake and mountain views, they have different configurations and access points. Big Lake West has vault toilets and spacious sites that can accommodate tents, though vehicle access is more limited than at the main Big Lake Campground.

Are there photos available of Big Lake Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Big Lake Campground are available online through various camping resources and the official U.S. Forest Service website. These images typically showcase the stunning views of Mt. Washington over the lake, the evergreen-lined shoreline, and typical campsites. Looking at photos before your visit will give you a good sense of the lake's clear waters, the surrounding forested landscape, and the campground layout. For the most current and comprehensive collection of photos, check The Dyrt or contact the Willamette National Forest office that manages the campground.